Bruce Demsky

Bruce Demsky, age 78, of Decorah, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon, Iowa.

Bruce Anthony Demsky was born in 1947 to Bruno Anthony Demsky and Mary Marie Fontanini, the children of hardworking immigrants who made their way to America seeking better opportunities. Both of his grandfathers had fled war and oppression in Europe, ultimately finding work as coal miners in early 20th-century Iowa. Raised during the backdrop of the Great Depression, his parents, who had met and married in 1940, instilled in Bruce a deep sense of resilience and determination.

Bruce’s older sister, Janice, adored him from the start. As WWII raged on, their father, a skilled pilot, spent his days teaching cadets to fly. When Bruce was born during the post-war baby boom, Janice's love for her new little brother led to a playful and endearing moment: she dressed him as her “doll” and called him "Brucilla," a loving gesture from a big sister that would echo through the years when Bruce's granddaughter Lilah did the same thing to her baby brother Noah. In 1955, Bruce’s family grew when his younger brother, Brian, was born, completing their tight-knit family. As the 1950s came to a close, Bruce enjoyed escaping into the thrilling world of Sci-Fi films, eagerly attending matinees of War of the Worlds, Forbidden Planet, and Them! for just a dime. He often took the electric trolley across town for a nickel, finding both adventure and inspiration in the silver screen.

Bruce's love for sports was evident early on. He learned to play golf from his father, a respected local golfer who had won several area tournaments, and from his uncle, Sargio Fontanini, a well-known local pro. As a young boy, Bruce also developed a passion for baseball. At his first tryout, without a glove, he made an unforgettable impression by catching a fly ball with his bare hands. His teammates took notice, and he earned a spot on the team. This passion for baseball became a shared interest between Bruce and his brother Brian, who spent countless hours playing catch and improving their skills together under the guidance of their father.By the mid-1960s, Bruce’s focus shifted to golf. He played throughout high school and college, inspiring his brother Brian to pursue the sport as well. Together, they helped each other improve, pushing each other to become better players and lifelong enthusiasts of the game. Bruce later coached boys golf for West Waterloo High School. He won a state title in the 1990's.

An accomplished student, Bruce graduated from East Des Moines High School in 1965 as the first in his family to attend college. He pursued his passion for history at Drake University, where his love for the past only deepened. Bruce became the go-to person for his brother, who knew he could always count on him for answers. Driven by his fascination with history, Bruce later dedicated his life to teaching, sharing his knowledge and inspiring countless students to appreciate the lessons of the past.

Around 1970, Bruce met Linda Titzel, his first wife, and soon after were married in 1972. Life then took them to Cedar Falls, where new opportunities awaited, and a new chapter began for Bruce, Linda, and the growing family they would soon build. Together they raised two sons, Aron and Justin. A devoted family man, Bruce was deeply involved in the lives of his children, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He spent countless hours taking his children to all the parks in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area, teaching them how to fish, and attending Waterloo Indians baseball games. Bruce believed in the power of family and community, and he instilled these values in his sons. He encouraged them to join Cub Scouts and spent time teaching them the fundamentals of baseball. One of his greatest passions, golf, was passed down to them as he shared both his love for the sport and the skills he had honed over the years.

Bruce married Kathy Iverson on February 5, 1994, and together they raised two wonderful children: their son, Jacob Demsky, and stepdaughter, Lindsay Olson and grandchildren Carter and Adelena Olson. Bruce was a devoted and hands-on father, deeply involved in every stage of their lives. He cherished being there for their milestones, always offering love, guidance, and support.

A lifelong Detroit Lions fan, Bruce’s passion for the game was only rivaled by his love for travel and family. He treasured every moment spent with those he loved, and family gatherings were a particular highlight in his life. He was a man who embodied the values of hard work, love, and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge, His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, especially in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, and all those who knew and admired him. His sense of humor, warmth, and unwavering presence will live on in the memories of all who were lucky enough to know him.